10 Best Football Clubs in Spain to Keep an Eye On!

Ever wondered where the heartbeat of football pulses with the most passion? Welcome to Spain, the beating of football’s artistry! Spain offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and world-class architecture. When it comes to unrivalled footballing fervour, Spain is the heartland of passionate football, where every match is a spectacle. With its mesmerising teams, awe-inspiring players, and an ocean of devoted fans, the football clubs in Spain are nothing short of iconic. In this blog, we will explore the legendary football clubs in Spain that define football.  

Top 10 Football Clubs in Spain

Whether your heart leans towards Messi's mesmerising magic or Ronaldo's sheer dominance, let's set aside our allegiances and embark on a delightful journey through this blog. Together, we'll explore the best football clubs in Spain as of 2024, traversing the landscape of La Liga leagues, delving into the captivating fan cultures, and shining a spotlight on the lesser-known yet equally enthralling Spanish soccer clubs. We will also unearth intriguing facts about these Spain football clubs! It's time to dive in and revel in the wonder of Spanish football – a sport that unites, delights, and leaves us all in awe! Have a look at the top 10 football clubs in Spain.

1. Real Madrid 

Ranking: #1
Year of Inception: 1902
Location: Madrid
Titles Won: 35
Current Famous Players: Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Fran Garcia
Best Matches: ‍1958 European Cup Final vs AC Milan, 2017 UEFA Champions League Final vs Juventus, & El Clasico matches against Barcelona 

Based in Madrid, Spain, the Real Madrid Club de Fútbol is an institution steeped in history and glory, standing proudly as the crowned jewel of Spanish football in 2024. With its inception dating back to 1902, this is one of the most popular Spain football clubs and has carved its legacy with a stadium known as the Santiago Bernabeu. This Spain football club is the highest earning, with an annual revenue of €750 million. As one of the founding members of La Liga, Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in Spain and has achieved a total of 35 La Liga trophies, 20 Copa Del Rey triumphs, and 15 UEFA glories, with their recent win in the UEFA Champions League 2023-2024.

2. FC Barcelona Football Club

Ranking: #3
Year of Inception: 1899
Location: Barcelona
Titles Won: 26
Current Famous Players: Lamine Yamal, Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski
Best Matches: 2009 UEFA Champions League Final, 2010-2011 El Clásico, & 2006 UEFA Champions League Final

Another excellent addition to Spanish football clubs is FC Barcelona, which stands tall as the formidable second contender. Established 123 years ago in 1899, this is one of those Spanish football clubs that holds an impressive record, securing the La Liga trophy 26 times and the UEFA trophy on five occasions. The year 2008-09 witnessed a monumental feat, as Barcelona achieved the fabled "treble" - winning the La Liga, Copa Del Rey, and the European Champions League trophies in one quick sweep. Camp Nou, their home ground, has witnessed countless historic moments since its inception in 1899.

3. Atletico Madrid

Ranking: #4
Year of Inception: 1903
Location: Madrid
Titles Won: 11
Current Famous Players: Alvaro Morata, Memphis Depay, Antoine Griezmann
Best Matches: 2014 UEFA Champions League Final, 2020 UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Second Leg, & 2013-2014 La Liga Season

Atletico Madrid, another one of the top football clubs in Spain, is also the fiercest contender in La Liga. The club’s foundations were first laid in 1903 by three Basque students living in Madrid. This team etched its name into the best soccer clubs in Spain with a triumphant title in 1903, and their hunger for success hasn't reduced since. By challenging the supremacy of giants like Real Madrid Football Club in Spain and FC Barcelona Football Club, Atletico Madrid proudly holds a commendable record of 110 La Liga and 10 Copa Del Rey trophies each, along with a stellar three-time win in the Europa League. The club has also won a total of 32 national and international titles in their club history.

4. Athletic Club Bilbao

Ranking: #5
Year of Inception: 1898
Location: Bilbao
Titles Won: 8
Current Famous Players: Nico Williams, Unai Simon, Inaki Williams
Best Matches: 2023 Bilbao Athletic vs. Sestao River Club, 2023 Bilbao Athletic vs. Real Zaragoza Deportivo Aragón, & 2023 Bilbao Athletic vs. Club Portugalete

Next on our list of the best football clubs in Spain is Athletic Club Bilbao, founded in 1898. Looking back at how it all started, it was in 1890 when a few British migrant workers and young Basques brought the sport to Bilbao, inspiring the birth of the Athletic Club. Home to 43,649 members, Athletic Club Bilbao embraces a unique policy of exclusively enlisting players from the Basque region. This commitment to their heritage has been the reason they have acquired 8 La Liga titles and an impressive 23 Copa Del Rey victories, positioning them as contenders second to FC Barcelona Football Club.

5. Real Betis

Ranking: #7
Year of Inception: 1907
Location: Seville
Titles Won: 1
Current Famous Players: Isco, Nabil Fekir, Hector Bellerin
Best Matches: 2023 Almeria vs Granada, 2023 Granada vs Real Betis, & 2023 Real Madrid vs Real Betis

Driven by the motto, “Viva El Betis Manque Pierda,” which means “Long live Betis even though they lose,” Real Betis is one of the best football clubs in Spain. Founded in 1907, Real Betis, affectionately known as "Los Verdiblancos," proudly wears its green and white uniforms. This best Spanish football club won the league title in 1935 and Cope Del Rey in 2022, 2005, and 1977. With 3 Copa Del Rey trophies and 1 La Liga title, its clashes with Sevilla during the Seville Derby are nothing short of legendary. 

6. Real Sociedad

Ranking: #8
Year of Inception: 1909
Location: San Sebastián
Titles Won: 2
Current Famous Players: Takefusa Kubo, Hamari Traore, Arsen Zakharyan
Best Matches: 2023 Real Sociedad's Participation in the UEFA Champions League, 2023 Real Sociedad vs Salzburg, & 2023 Red Bull Salzburg vs Real Sociedad

Embracing the role of the underdog, Real Sociedad holds its own as a force to be reckoned with among Spanish football clubs. Founded in 1908, it is typically referred to as Real Sociedad de Fútbol. With 2 La Liga trophies, 3 King's Cups, and 1 Spanish Super Cup to their name, their journey is an inspiration, confirming their position as the fourth-largest Spain football club. It also has a women’s team, and not just that, it is also a part of different athletic sections like track and field, field hockey, and basque pelota.

7. Osasuna 

Ranking: #9
Year of Inception: 1920
Location: Pamplona
Titles Won: 0
Current Famous Players: David Garcia, Ezequiel Avila, Ignacio Vidal Miralles
Best Matches: CA Osasuna 2022/2023 Season Overview, Osasuna in the 2023–24 Season, & 2023 Real Madrid vs. Osasuna 

With a strong legacy dating back to 1920, Osasuna, nicknamed "The Reds," commands respect as the oldest and most esteemed Spain football club. Fierce rivalries with Real Madrid Football Club, Real Zaragoza, and Athletic Bilbao have fueled their determination, culminating in four triumphant Segunda Division victories. This Spain football team has also won 2 runners up in Copa Del Rey, 42 seasons in first division, and 36 seasons in second division. This team is the only Navarrese club to have played in the La Liga championship. Its pure dedication and perseverance make it one of the most popular Spanish football clubs. 

8. Valencia CF

Ranking: #11
Year of Inception: 18 March 1919
Location: Valencia
Titles Won: 6
Current Famous Players: Diego Lopez, Cenk Ozkacar, Roman Yaremchuk
Best Matches: Valencia CF 2023/24 Season & 2023 Valencia CF vs. CA Osasuna 

Valencia CF leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of Spanish football. It was established on 5th March 1919, and Octavio Augusto Milego Díaz was its first president. The first match played by this Spain football club was against Valencia Gimnástico on 21 May 1919. Well it did lose its first match by 1-0, but it later won the Regional Championship in 1923. Their illustrious history encompasses numerous La Liga titles, Copa Del Rey triumphs, and successful entry into the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League, making their mark amongst the best football clubs in Spain. 

9. Villarreal Football Club

Ranking: #15
Year of Inception: 1923
Location: Villareal
Titles Won: 0
Current Famous Players: Ben Brereton Diaz, Alexander Sorloth, Alex Banea
Best Matches: UEFA Europa League Final 2021, La Liga 2015-2016, & UEFA Champions League Quarter Final 2008-2009

Adding to our list of the best football clubs in Spain is Villarreal Football Club. Established in 1923, their journey epitomises the beauty of football dreams turned into reality. This football club in Spain played its first UEFA Champions League in 2005 and made its position in the semi-finals in 2006 and 2012. Rising from humble beginnings, Villarreal Football Club, endearingly known as the "Yellow Submarine," embarked on a remarkable climb through the ranks to earn a spot among La Liga's elite. 

10. Sevilla

Ranking: #20
Year of Inception: 1890
Location: Seville
Titles Won: 1
Current Famous Players: Sergio Ramos, Ivan Rakitic, Youssef En-Nesyri
Best Matches: UEFA Europa League Final 2015, UEFA Europa League Final 2016, & UEFA Super Cup 2006

Ending our list with the best and biggest football clubs in Spain, we have Sevilla. This Spain football club is considered one of the oldest and best Spanish football clubs. This football team in Spain was established on 25th January 1890, and its first president was Edward Farquharson Johnston. Best known for their success in the Europa League, with an astounding seven-time triumph, the club has also secured 5 Copa Del Rey trophies, 18 Andalusian Cups, and 1 La Liga title, confirming its spot in football greatness.

History & Culture of Spanish Football Clubs

When it comes to football, there's nothing like the fierce rivalries between the best football clubs in Spain. These matches transcend mere sports events, evoking a profound sense of unity and unwavering support among the passionate fans who watch. Football in Spain isn't just a game; it is an emotion, etching unforgettable memories in its rich history.

1. El Clásico: A Global Spectacle

The pinnacle of these rivalries is the legendary El Clasico, an eternal clash between two footballing supergiants - FC Barcelona Football Club in Spain and Real Madrid Football Club. Dating back to 1929, this exciting feud between Catalonia and Madrid slides onto the pitch, captivating hearts worldwide. Witnessing iconic players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo battling it out was always a pleasure like no other.

2. Local Derbies

Then there's the Derby Day, where Real Madrid Football Club in Spain locks horns with their fierce local rivals, Atlético Madrid. The underdog spirit of Atletico Madrid, trying to make a mark amidst already-established soccer clubs in Spain, creates an atmosphere charged with passion, determination, and intensity. The Wanda Metropolitano and the Santiago Bernabeu transform into arenas of dreams, a spectacle that every person must experience at least once in their lives.

But the rivalries don't end there! The Seville Derby between Sevilla FC and Real Betis, as well as the fiery Valencia Derby of Valencia CF clashing with Levante UD, add even more excitement to the footballing landscape. These battles are fueled by pride, a will to dominate, and historical significance. At the same time, off the pitch, there's an admirable display of mutual respect and support among players and fans, which is a true testament to the integrity and nature of the sport. 

Interesting Facts about Football Clubs in Spain 

Now that you know almost everything about the best football clubs in Spain, it’s time to conclude this article with a few lesser-known facts about these Spanish football clubs. Every one of these Spain football clubs has its unique element. Plus, there are many interesting facts about Spain too that you can discover! Here are some facts we bet you didn’t know about the most popular Spanish football clubs: ‍

1. One of the oldest and most popular Spanish football clubs, Recreativo de Huelva, holds the record for the longest gap between two promotions to La Liga, achieving it 38 years apart.
2. In 1943, Valencia CF fielded a team entirely of foreign players, marking a unique moment in the history of some of the best Spanish football clubs.
3. The first-ever Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) final in 1903 saw two of the most popular Spanish football clubs at the time, FC Barcelona Football Club and Club Español de Madrid (now known as Real Madrid Football Club), battling for the trophy.
4. CD Lugo, a lesser-known club, made history in 1955 by being the first football club in Spain to have a sponsor on its players' shirts.
5. Real Betis Balompié set a rare record by winning the 1935 Copa del Presidente de la República without conceding a single goal throughout the entire tournament.
6. Atletico Madrid achieved a notable milestone in the 2013-2014 season when they won the La Liga title, becoming the first team other than FC Barcelona Football Club in Spain and Real Madrid to do so in a decade.
7. RCD Espanyol holds the unique distinction of being the first Spanish football club to participate in a penalty shootout in European competitions during the 1968-1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
8. Real Sociedad enjoyed a historical moment in 1989 when they defeated FC Barcelona, one of the most popular Spanish football clubs, to lift the Copa del Rey, ending a 78-year trophy drought for the club.
9. Deportivo Alavés made a surprising run in the 2000-2001 UEFA Cup, reaching the final as a modest club despite being their first-ever European campaign.
10. Girona FC achieved a remarkable feat during the 2017-2018 La Liga season, defeating both FC Barcelona Football Club in Spain and Real Madrid in their debut top-flight campaign.

In the world of football, these rivalries add a layer of excitement and drama that keeps the fans on the edge of their seats. From the grandest stages to the hallowed stadiums, it's where legends are born, and emotions run high. The heart and soul of Spanish football lie in these heated encounters, reminding us why this sport is cherished and adored by millions across the globe. So if you’re planning to come to witness the intense excitement of football in Spain, you can go through the short-stay visa guide in Spain!